Financial Aid for STEM Education
Scholarships & Other Resources to Help You Pay for a STEM Degree

Careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics continue to be among the most in-demand and highest-paying available but earning the required degree to qualify for these careers can be expensive. Fortunately, there are a lot of financial aid opportunities available for students interested in a STEM education. In this guide, you’ll find a list of current STEM scholarships and other resources to help make the cost of college more affordable.

Written By

Written By

Michael Hoffman

A graduate of the University of California at Santa Barbara and the Santa Barbara College of Law, Michael Hoffman nurtured his love for research and writing while a practicing attorney in Los Angeles. Now a freelance journalist, Michael specializes in creating expert-driven guides related to online learning, technology, accreditation and affordability.

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Scholarships, Grants & Fellowships for All STEM Students

American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) Awards

Amount: $500 to $10,000 (undergraduate); $1,000 to $5,000 (graduate)

Variety of undergraduate scholarships and graduate awards for AIAA student members in good standing. Specific requirements vary by scholarship or award, but applicant’s education plan must provide entrance into some scientific or engineering field encompassed by the AIAA.

American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) Scholarships

Amount: $2,500 to $5,000

The ASCE offers eight undergraduate scholarship opportunities for students studying civil engineering or closely related field. Some scholarships are specific to a particular area of civil engineering. Applicant must be a current ASCE student member.

American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) Scholarships

Amount: $1,500 to $13,000

Over 60 scholarships in varying amounts available to both undergraduate and graduate students studying mechanical engineering, mechanical engineering technology, or a closely related field. Open to current ASME student members in good standing.

Armed Forces Communications and Electronics Association (AFCEA) STEM Major Scholarships for Undergraduate Students

Amount: $2,500

Applicants must be in at least their second year of studies enrolled as sophomores or juniors and pursuing a degree in a STEM field that meets the AFCEA’s mission (including but not limited to cyber security, intelligence, and homeland security-related disciplines.)

ASHRAE Undergraduate Engineering Scholarships

Amount: $3,000 to $10,000

Sponsored by the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers. Awards made to engineering and pre-engineering students enrolled full-time in a degree program traditionally considered a preparatory curriculum for the HVAC&R profession. Applicant must be enrolled at a school hosting an active ASHRAE Student Branch.

Available to students working toward a degree in engineering or natural or applied science and plan to pursue research after graduation. Instead of applying, students are nominated by faculty members at their schools. Nominees must be in at least their second year of studies at one of 40 eligible colleges, and have conducted extensive lab and research work in their chosen field.

Deadline: Student nominations due to Vice Provost for Undergraduate Programs by the end of January.

DevTeam.Space STEM Scholarships

Amount: $1,000

Bi-yearly STEM scholarship open to students ages 13 and up who are currently attending or planning to attend an accredited U.S. college or graduate school. Applicants must submit a minimum 500-word essay on “How STEM careers would affect the world in the next 50 years.”

John M. Stropki Scholarship

Amount: $2,500 to $5,000

Scholarship fund established to help develop engineers and STEM educators who “innovate and drive excellence throughout the manufacturing process…” Priority is given to students who exhibit a financial need. A small number of awards are designated specifically for the children of Lincoln Electric employees. Sponsored by the American Welding Society.

LabRoots STEM Scholarships

Amount: $2,000 to $3,000

Undergraduate and graduate merit-based scholarships for STEM students awarded twice annually. Open to students both within and outside the U.S. Applicant must provide an education/research proposal (limited to 4000 characters). Sponsored by LabRoots, a scientific social networking website.

National Society of High School Scholars (NSHSS) Stem Scholarships

Amount: $1,000

Open to high school senior NSHSS members who intend to pursue a degree in a STEM major, including any area related to the medical field. Students must submit a 500-word personal statement on the subject of why he or she has selected their intended STEM major and future career plans.

NextStepU STEM Scholarship

Amount: $1,500

Scholarship awarded three times a year to students interested in pursuing STEM degrees. Applicants must be registered users of NextStepU.com, and submit a brief (150-250 word) essay explaining his or her interest in a STEM education.

Scholarship America Dream Award

Amount: $5,000 to $15,000

Renewable scholarships available to students currently attending, or planning to attend, a degree program at an accredited two-year or four-year institution. Open to U.S. citizens, permanent residents, or persons granted deferred action status under DACA. A portion of the funds for these scholarships are designated specifically for STEM students.

STEM Teacher Graduate Scholarships

Amount: $2,500 to $5,000

Available to both undergraduate and graduate students pursuing a degree or credential/licensure for teaching STEM subjects. Applicants seeking a credential or licensure must have completed a B.S. or graduate degree in a STEM major. Sponsored by the AFCEA Education Foundation.

Straight North STEM Scholarship

Amount: $250 to 1,000

Straight North, an internet marketing services company, sponsors this scholarship program that awards one $1,000 scholarship and two $250 book awards to students pursuing STEM-related degrees at two-year of four-year colleges. Both undergraduate and graduate students are eligible.

Universities Space Research Association (USRA) Scholarship Awards

Amount: $4,000

Up to four awards made each year to eligible students within two years of earning a bachelor’s degree in a field of science and engineering, including life science and science education. Applicant must be a full-time student attending an accredited four-year college or university.

STEM Scholarships, Grants & Fellowships for Women & Minorities

Women

Alice T. Schafer Mathematics Prize

Amount: $250 to $1,000

Sponsored by the Association of Women in Mathematics, this prize is awarded annually to, “an undergraduate woman who excels in mathematics.” Requires nomination by a professor or adviser. Criteria considered include, among others, the nominee’s quality of performance in advanced mathematics courses and performance in mathematical competitions.

Association for Women in Aviation Maintenance (AWAM) Scholarships

Amount: $350 to $12,000

The AWAM sponsors a wide range of scholarship opportunities for women pursuing an education in the field of aviation maintenance and technology. Specific requirements vary for each individual scholarship. Applicants may apply for up to three AWAM scholarships.

Association for Women Geologists (AWG) Minority Scholarship

Amount: Varies (one or more awards totaling $6,000 annually)

Scholarship program aimed at encouraging young minority women to pursue careers in the geosciences. Applicants must be of African-American, Hispanic, or Native American descent, and currently pursuing (or a high school student intending to pursue) a full-time geosciences-related undergraduate degree.

BHW Women in STEM Scholarship

Amount: $3,000

Sponsored by The BHW Group, this scholarship is open to women pursuing an undergraduate or master’s degree in a STEM major. Applicants must submit a 500 to 800 word essay on one of two subjects: your favorite app and what you like about it, or a time an app played a significant role in improving your day.

Buildium Women in Technology Scholarship

Amount: $2,500

Open to both undergraduate and graduate students pursuing an accredited STEM degree program in the U.S. or Canada. Among other requirements, applicants must submit a written essay (maximum 1000 words) and short (one to two minutes) video answering the question, “What would the Buildium Women in Technology Scholarship mean for your education?”

Davis Scholarship for Women in STEM

Amount: $5,000

Created to encourage minority women to pursue a career in the STEM fields. Open to non-freshman undergraduates enrolled full-time at a United Negro College Fund member school. Priority is given to students from Massachusetts, but all eligible U.S. residents are encouraged to apply.

Engineering and Technical Science Achievement Scholarship

Amount: $500 to $2,500

Scholarship available to women enrolled in an undergraduate engineering or technical science degree program at an ABET-accredited or Alpha Omega Epsilon National Foundation-approved institution. Applicant must not be receiving education funds from another organization.

Leatrice Gregory Pendray Scholarship

Amount: $1,500

Undergraduate scholarship sponsored by the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA). Open to current female AIAA student members in good standing whose education plan provides entry into a field of science or engineering encompassed by the AIAA’s technical activities.

Libbie H. Hyman Memorial Scholarship

Amount: $700 to $1,900

Award is limited to advanced undergraduate and first or second year graduate biology and marine biology students in support of a first meaningful field station experience. Application must include a written proposal regarding coursework or research on invertebrates. Sponsored by the Society for Integrative & Comparative Biology.

Palantir Women in Technology Scholarship

Amount: Up to $10,000

Open to full-time undergraduates who have completed at least one year in a STEM field course of study at an accredited U.S., Canadian, or Mexican college or university. Recipients visit Palantir’s headquarters in Palo Alto, California for a full-day workshop, and selected participants are offered Palantir internships.

Priscilla Carney Jones Scholarship

Amount: Minimum $1,500

Scholarship award available to junior and senior female undergraduates majoring in chemistry or a chemistry-related science. Applicant must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, demonstrate financial need, and have completed, or plans to conduct, research during her undergraduate years.

Science Ambassador Scholarship

Amount: Full tuition

Full-tuition scholarship awarded to a high school senior or undergraduate college student pursuing a STEM degree. Requires submission of a “mini-lecture” video (maximum three minutes) on a STEM-related topic. Funded by Cards Against Humanity.

Society of Women Engineers (SWE) Scholarships

Amount: $1,000 to $15,000

SWE sponsors dozens of scholarships, including reentry and non-traditional awards, for women pursuing undergraduate and graduate degrees in engineering, computers, or technology at an ABET-accredited school. Awards are available to both SWE members and non-members, although some scholarships require SWE membership.

Deadline: May 1 (freshmen), February 15 (sophomores through graduate students)

Women Techmakers Scholars Program

Eligibility open to students identifying as female pursuing studies in computer engineering, computer science, or a closely related technical field. Applicants must be currently enrolled in a full-time bachelor’s, master’s or PhD program at an accredited university in the U.S. or Canada.

Minorities

American Association of Blacks in Energy (AABE) Scholarships

Amount: Varies

Scholarships awarded to graduating high school seniors from historically underrepresented minorities intending to pursue educations in STEM-related disciplines at accredited colleges and universities the following semester. Application is made to local AABE chapters for local scholarship awards, with top-ranked candidates forwarded to the National Scholarship Committee for consideration of regional and national awards.

American Chemistry Society (ACS) Scholars Program

Amount: Up to $5,000

Renewable undergraduate scholarship awards for underrepresented minority students intending careers in chemistry or chemistry-related fields. Applicants must be of African-American, Hispanic/Latino, or American Indian heritage, and demonstrate financial need.

American Meteorological Society (AMS) Minority Scholarships

Amount: $6,000 ($3,000 for freshman year, $3,000 for sophomore year)

Undergraduate scholarship program to fund minority students – especially Native American, Black/African American, and Hispanic students – traditionally underrepresented in the sciences. Applicants must intend to pursue careers in atmospheric or related oceanic and hydrologic sciences.

Brown and Caldwell Minority Scholarship

Amount: $5,000

Award available to a full-time junior or senior undergraduate, or a graduate student, with a declared major in civil, chemical or environmental engineering, or one of the environmental sciences. Applicant must identify as a member of a minority group, including, but not limited to, African-American, Hispanic, Asian or Pacific American, or Alaska Native.

Generation Google Scholarship

Amount: $10,000 USD (U.S. students), $5,000 CAD (Canada students)

Open to students from an underrepresented group (African American, Hispanic, American Indian, or Filipino/Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander).Applicant must be currently enrolled as an undergraduate or graduate student, or a high school senior intending to enroll, in a U.S. or Canada degree program in computer engineering, computer science, or a closely related technical field.

Google Lime Scholarship

Amount: $10,000 USD (U.S. students), $5,000 CAD (Canada students)

Scholarships for students currently pursuing an undergraduate, graduate, or PhD degree in computer science, computer engineering, or closely related technical field. Applicant must have, or consider him or herself to have, a visible or invisible disability.

Great Minds in Stem HENAAC Scholars Program

Amount: $500 to $10,000

Variety of scholarships offered to students pursuing STEM-related degrees at accredited two- or four-year U.S. colleges and universities. Students must be of Hispanic origin and/or must “significantly demonstrate leadership or service within the Hispanic community.”

Hispanic Scholarship Fund (HSF) Scholarships

Amount: $500 to $5,000

Merit-based scholarships available to both undergraduate and graduate students of Hispanic heritage. Award amounts are based on relative need among the selected recipients. All majors and graduate fields are accepted, but an emphasis is given to STEM majors.

Microsoft Tuition Scholarship

Amount: Varies

Tuition-only awards for underrepresented students enrolled in a bachelor’s degree program at a four-year college or university in the U.S., Canada, or Mexico. Open to applicants pursuing a computer science, computer engineering, or related STEM degree. Awards made in recognition of a “demonstrated passion for technology, academic excellence, and leadership while working to push the software industry forward.”

National Institutes of Health (NIH) Undergraduate Scholarship Program

Amount: Up to $20,000

Competitive scholarships available to students from “disadvantaged backgrounds” committed to careers in biomedical, behavioral, and social science health-related research. Program additionally offers paid research training at the NIH during the summer, and paid employment with the NIH following graduation.

NOGLSTP Out to Innovate STEM Scholarships

Amount: $5,000

Two awards (one undergraduate, one graduate) are made annually to LGBTQ and LGBTQ-supportive students pursuing STEM degrees. Applicant must have completed a minimum of two years post-high school education at an accredited college or university, and be an active supporter and participant in programs that promote LGBTQ visibility and inclusion.

Procter & Gamble STEM Scholarship

Amount: Up to $5,000

Undergraduate scholarship for students pursuing a degree in a STEM-related major. Applicant must be of black heritage, and a U.S. citizen or permanent resident attending, or planning to attend, an accredited four-year college or university.

Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers (SHPE) Scholarships

Amount: Varies

Range of STEM-related scholarship opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students of Hispanic and Latino heritage. Degree program must be located in the U.S. or Puerto Rico. A few awards are restricted to applicant’s location or school, as well as by field of study. Awards are dispersed in two payments (Fall and Spring terms).

United Negro College Fund (UNCF) Scholars Program

The UNCF provides 100 awards annually to African American students pursuing undergraduate STEM degrees. Students must additionally have a demonstrated financial and unmet need, and show a readiness and commitment pursue their STEM degree program.

Other Ways to Get Financial Aid

The scholarships, fellowships and grants listed above aren’t the only ways to pay for a STEM degree. Here’s an overview of other options you may want to consider:

State-sponsored financial aid programs

All states have financial aid programs of their own and offer a range of assistance, including scholarships and grants, to resident students. Some programs are merit-based, some need-based and some both. A great place to start your research on what your state has to offer is the National Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators. You can also contact your state’s department of education or a specific college’s financial aid department to learn more.

Contact the financial aid officer at your school, or your state’s higher education office to see if a similar program is available where you live.

STEM-related contents or competitions

Because STEM is all about innovation, many organizations, companies and even some colleges now host contents or competitions. Participants may be required to create an app, video game or develop a product. Winners may receive a cash reward that can be used towards college-related expenses but even if there isn’t a cash prize, the recognition can be used to boost your credentials and bring you one step closer to a STEM scholarship.

General scholarship and grant programs

There are tons of non-STEM specific scholarships and grants out there that STEM students can also apply to. Sponsors include corporations, industry groups, national and local service organizations, unions and even private citizens.

Finding scholarships you qualify for can be a challenge. A good place to start online is Scholarships.com. But be sure to stop by your school’s financial aid office for more leads.

Employer reimbursement benefits

More and more employers are offering education reimbursement programs for their employees and, sometimes, their children. Employers recognize the value in retaining good workers who want to move up the professional ladder. If you’re considering pursuing a STEM-related certification, class or degree, talk to someone in HR to see if you can be reimbursed for it.

Work study

Most colleges offer work study opportunities to students with a demonstrated financial need. Students typically work part-time on their campus in food service facilities, libraries and elsewhere on campus. STEM students may want to look into work study opportunities that are directly related to their field. Visit your school’s financial aid office more information.

Assistantships

Almost all colleges have openings for teaching, lab and/or research assistants. Some positions come as part of a financial aid package, while others require students to apply and may be limited to a specific STEM department. Speak with your department head to see if STEM assistantship positions are available.

Ways to Cut Costs

Making college affordable involves more than just securing financial aid. Below are a few suggestions for cutting the costs of your STEM education:

Live at home

Living at home is cheaper than paying for a dorm room or apartment. For some, it may also help you stay focused.

Expand your school choices

Considering several different colleges can open the doors to greater savings and better financial aid opportunities. Many colleges now offer STEM degrees so, keep an open mind when it comes to picking your college.

Consider an online degree

While you may not save that much on tuition and fees if you pursue an online degree, you can save money on other college-related expenses and fees. Most accredited and reputable colleges with STEM programs offer online learning options. The curricula and academic rigor are almost always the same for an online degree as for one earned on a traditional campus. And, in most cases, there’s no difference at all between a degree earned online and one earned on-campus in terms of your academic record or what’s on your diploma.

Start at a community college

All students are required to complete general education courses as part of their degree program. Cost per unit/credit for these courses is typically more affordable at a community college than at a four-year university. So, you can save a lot by attending a community college the first year or two of your college career, and then transferring to a four-year school to complete your STEM degree.

How to Maximize Your Chances

Finding scholarship opportunities and submitting applications on time are two important steps in the STEM scholarship process, but they’re not the only ones. Here are a few recommendations to help maximize your chances of landing a STEM scholarship:

Pursue STEM classes and extracurriculars

Scholarships are competitive, particularly those related to STEM studies. Demonstrate your passion and interest in the field by taking STEM-related courses in high school, especially AP courses. If you’re already in college, consider working or volunteering as a lab or research assistant for a professor in your department. Anything you can add to your resume regarding your chosen STEM field can help you stand out from other scholarship applicants.

Go for the tough ones

It’s human nature to chart the easiest course possible in most endeavors, but doing so when it comes to scholarships can be a big mistake. Some scholarship programs are tougher than others when it comes to application requirements, but don’t let that scare you away.

Write a great essay

If a scholarship application requires an essay, give yourself lots of time to write a great one. If writing isn’t your strong suit, ask a teacher, academic advisor, family member or friend to read it and give you feedback for improvement. You can also hire a writing tutor to help you through the process.

Keep looking

Even if you’ve already landed a scholarship, don’t stop looking for opportunities. New STEM scholarships can pop up anytime and existing ones that you didn’t win before may allow you to re-apply the following year. On top of that, some scholarships are available only to students who have been in college for at least a year or require applicants to be declared STEM majors – two requirements that might have taken you out of the running before but no longer apply.